Unconditional Love

As the news started to sink in, we were definitely scared. We had no idea what to expect other than what the doctors and nurses were telling us. We had no idea if Joe would even be able to get the LVAD. The testing began immediately. Blood work, CT Scans, breathing tests, x-rays, heart caths and so much more. The days prior to the LVAD were so long. The waiting was intense, emotional and exhausting. I spent most of my days and nights at the hospital with Joe. I just couldn’t pull myself away in fear something would go wrong or he would, god forbid pass away when I was gone. I would never have forgiven myself if that would of happened.

Everyone kept telling me to go home, get some sleep, you need your rest. Well, I probably did but I was not leaving the love of my life. In my heart, I knew I needed to be his biggest support and I didn’t think twice about it. I slept in a chair for 17 days straight. It did not recline, it did not turn into a bed, it was a high back chair. As I look back now, I have no idea how I was even comfortable or how I even slept the way I did. I just know I did it and never complained. My role in this journey was to be his protector, his advocate and his full committed support. I’m HIS wife, it was my duty to stay by his side and I know this now. For better or worse, in sickness and death will forever be my saying to Joe. When I said the words 31 years ago, I truly meant them. I will love this man forever through any battle we face. Love is worth the reward in the end. If he can fight this battle for me and continue to live, I will be right next to him no matter what with Unconditional Love. It’s just who I am.